Water Buffalo Leather Car Interior
CN β US| HS Code | Tariff Rate | Origin | Destination | Doc |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 9401806030 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4205008000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4205001000 | 35.0% | CN | US | Official Doc |
| 4107915000 | 12.8% | CN | US | Official Doc |
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AI Analysis
π Water Buffalo Leather Car Interior
π HS Code Reference & Customs Clearance Guide | 2026 Latest Tariff Analysis | Professional Clearance Strategy
π I. Product Definition & Classification: Do You Really Understand "Car Interior"?
Water Buffalo Leather Car Interior refers to decorative or functional components made from buffalo or horse leather, specifically designed for yacht or automotive interiors. In international trade, the classification depends heavily on material composition and intended use/function.
Key Distinction:
- If classified as "Seat Components/Parts": It falls under Heading 9401.
- If classified as "Leather Articles": It falls under Heading 4205.
- If classified as "Raw/Prepared Leather": It falls under Heading 4107 (Upholstery Leather).
β οΈ Critical Classification Point:
- If the item is a finished upholstered part (stitched, shaped for installation) β Heading 9401 or 4205.
- If the item is raw leather cut for upholstery (not yet formed into a specific part) β Heading 4107.
π¦ II. HS Code Classification Details (2026 Latest Tariff Authority Comparison)
| HS Code | Product Description | Application Scenario | Basis for Classification |
|---|---|---|---|
9401.80.60.30 |
Seats and parts thereof: Other seats | Buffalo/horse leather yacht/automotive interior components | Matches "Other Seats" material compatibility; treated as seat component/decoration. |
4205.00.80.00 |
Other made-up articles of leather | Buffalo/horse leather yacht interior | Matches "Leather Articles" material requirement; "Interior" fits "Other" category without conflict. |
4205.00.10.00 |
Other made-up articles of leather | Buffalo/horse leather yacht interior (non-specific use) | Matches "Leather Articles" material; used for yacht interior, considered "Other" non-specific leather article. |
4107.91.50.00 |
Other leather, fully crusted or crust, incl. patent leather | Buffalo/horse leather for upholstery | Matches "Full Grain Leather" material; intended for "Upholstery" use (yacht/car interior). |
π Key Reminder:
- Heading 9401 focuses on the function (seat-related).
- Heading 4205 focuses on the material (leather articles) for general interior use.
- Heading 4107 focuses on the raw/prepared state of the leather specifically for upholstery.
π° III. 2026 Latest Tariff Rate Details (Including Surcharges, Policy Surcharges)
β Applicable Country: United States (US)
β Country of Origin: China (CN)
β Effective Date: From November 10, 2025 (and subsequent imports)
π― 1. 9401.80.60.30 ββ Other Seats (Seat Components/Interior Decor)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 35.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 35% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:9401.80.60.30 β FOOTNOTE:301 β SECTION 122 |
π Explanation:
- Classified as "Other Seats" or seat components due to material compatibility and decorative/functionality link to seating.
- Subject to both the 25% Section 301 tariff and 10% Section 122 tariff.
π― 2. 4205.00.80.00 ββ Other Leather Articles
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 35.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 35% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:4205.00.80.00 β FOOTNOTE:301 β SECTION 122 |
π Explanation:
- Classified under "Other Leather Articles" because the name explicitly contains "Leather" (Water Buffalo/Horse) and fits the "Other" category for interior items without specific material conflict.
- Subject to both the 25% Section 301 tariff and 10% Section 122 tariff.
π― 3. 4205.00.10.00 ββ Other Made-up Articles of Leather
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 0.0% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | +25.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 35.0% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 35% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:4205.00.10.00 β FOOTNOTE:301 β SECTION 122 |
π Explanation:
- Matches "Leather Articles" material requirement.
- Used for yacht/automotive interior, considered a non-specific "Other" leather article.
- Subject to both the 25% Section 301 tariff and 10% Section 122 tariff.
π― 4. 4107.91.50.00 ββ Other Fully Crusted Leather (Upholstery)
| Item | Content |
|---|---|
| Base Tariff | 2.8% |
| Section 301 Surcharge | 0.0% |
| Section 122 Tariff | +10.0% |
| Total Tariff Rate | 12.8% |
| Tax Calculation | CIF Value Γ 12.8% |
| De Minimis Eligibility | β Not Eligible |
| Legal Basis Path | USITC:4107.91.50.00 β SECTION 122 |
π Explanation:
- Classified as "Upholstery Leather" (fully crusted/crust) based on material (Buffalo/Horse) and inferred use (Yacht/Auto Interior).
- Advantage: Not subject to the 25% Section 301 surcharge, only the 10% Section 122 tariff + 2.8% base.
- Result: Significantly lower total tariff (12.8%) compared to the 35% rate for finished articles.
π οΈ IV. Customs Clearance Practical Advice (Battle-Hardened Pitfall Avoidance Guide)
β 1. Preparation Checklist (All Required)
| Document | Must Provide | Description |
|---|---|---|
| β Product Spec Sheet | βοΈ | Includes material (Buffalo/Horse), dimensions, stitching type, finish. |
| β Photos of Product | βοΈ | Clear images showing grain, texture, and final form (raw vs. finished part). |
| β Commercial Invoice | βοΈ | Must clearly state "Water Buffalo Leather" or "Horse Leather" and "Upholstery/Interior". |
| β Packing List | βοΈ | Details weight and dimensions per piece. |
| β Certificate of Origin | βοΈ | To verify CN origin for tariff calculation. |
| β HS Code Ruling (Optional) | β | Pre-ruling if high volume to lock in 4107 classification. |
β 2. Declaration Tips (Key Mantras)
π₯ "State Material, Define Use, Choose Code Wisely!"
| Scenario | Correct Declaration | Wrong Action |
|---|---|---|
| Finished Seat Cover/Panel | 9401.80.60.30 or 4205.00 |
Misdeclare as "Raw Leather" β Penalty for misclassification. |
| Leather Skins for Upholstery | 4107.91.50.00 |
Misdeclare as "Finished Article" β Higher tariff (35% vs 12.8%). |
| Yacht/Auto Interior Panels | Clearly state "Interior Panel" | Vague description "Leather Goods" β Audit risk. |
| Mixed Material Items | Break down by primary material | Combine with fabric unless legally allowed. |
π Note:
- If the product is a finished, shaped component ready for installation,9401or4205(35%) is likely.
- If the product is leather sheets/panels cut to size but not yet stitched/formatted into a specific car part,4107(12.8%) may be eligible. This is a major cost-saving opportunity!
β 3. Special Case Handling
| Situation | Handling Advice |
|---|---|
| OEM Custom Parts | Provide design drawings to prove "Finished Article" status if claiming 35%. |
| Leather Skins/Cut Panels | Declare as "Upholstery Leather" (4107.91.50.00) to benefit from 12.8% tariff. Avoid calling it "Car Interior" in the description if it's not a final part. |
| Mixed Materials (Leather + Fabric) | Check primary material rule. If leather is dominant, 4205 may apply (35%). |
| Sample Shipments | Same tariffs apply; De Minimis (800 USD) is NOT eligible for these codes due to Section 301/122 restrictions. |
π V. Global Main Market Clearance Comparison (2026 Latest)
| Country/Region | Recommended HS Code | Tariff | Certification Requirement | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| πΊπΈ USA | 4107.91.50.00 (if raw) / 9401.80.60.30 (if finished) |
12.8% / 35% | None specific | High Section 122/301 impact. |
| π¨π³ China | 4205.00 / 9401.80 |
~5-10% | CCC (if auto part) | Lower tariffs for finished goods. |
| πͺπΊ EU | 4205.00 |
~4-12% | REACH (Chemicals) | No Section 301/122. |
| π¬π§ UK | 4205.00 |
~4-12% | UKCA | Post-Brexit rules apply. |
| π―π΅ Japan | 4205.00 |
~0-10% | PSE (if electrical) | Generally favorable. |
π Conclusion:
- USA is the most challenging market due toε ε tariffs (35% for finished, 12.8% for leather).
- Strategy: If possible, import as "Upholstery Leather" (4107) rather than "Finished Interior Parts" to save over 22% in duties.
π VI. Common Mistakes & Pitfall Guide (Blood Lessons)
β Mistake 1: Declaring finished seat covers as "Raw Leather"
π Consequence: Customs rejection, penalties for misclassification. Must be truly unfinished.
β Mistake 2: Ignoring Section 122 Tariff
π Consequence: Unexpected 10% charge at clearance. Always budget for 35% or 12.8% in US.
β Mistake 3: Using vague terms like "Leather Goods"
π Consequence: High risk of audit. Must specify "Buffalo/Horse Leather" and "Upholstery/Interior".
β Mistake 4: Assuming De Minimis applies
π Consequence: Packages seized or taxed. These codes are EXCLUDED from De Minimis exemption.
β Correct Practice:
"Water Buffalo Leather Panels, Cut to Size, for Yacht Upholstery, Unstitched" β
4107.91.50.00
OR
"Finished Water Buffalo Leather Seat Cover, Auto Interior, Model XYZ" β9401.80.60.30
π― VII. Conclusion: Professional Declaration, Save Time & Money!
π― Remember the Mantra:
πΉ "Raw Leather = 12.8%, Finished = 35%. Don't Get Caught!"
πΉ "Section 122 Hits Both, Section 301 Hits Finished Goods."
π Pro Tip:
If your product is pre-cut leather panels for upholstery, declare as 4107.91.50.00 to save significant duty costs. Ensure the product is not stitched, glued, or shaped into a final car part at the time of export.
π£ Immediate Action:
π Consult a Customs Broker + Provide Product Photos + Apply for HS Code Advance Ruling
π Ensure smooth clearance, avoid surprise taxes, and maximize your profit margin!
β¨ Professional Clearance Starts with Accurate Classification!
πΌ Every Percent Counts in International Trade!
Customer Reviews
About HS Code Classification
The Harmonized System (HS) is an internationally standardized nomenclature developed by the World Customs Organization (WCO) to classify traded products. Over 200 countries use the HS system as the basis for customs tariffs, trade statistics, and import/export regulations.
Each HS code follows a hierarchical structure:
- Chapter (2 digits) β Broad category of goods (e.g., Chapter 84: Machinery and Mechanical Appliances)
- Heading (4 digits) β More specific grouping within the chapter
- Subheading (6 digits) β Internationally standardized breakdown, used by all WCO member countries
- National subdivisions (8-10 digits) β Country-specific extensions for further classification, such as US HTSUS 10-digit codes
Correct HS code classification is essential for smooth customs clearance, accurate duty payment, and compliance with trade regulations. Misclassification can lead to customs delays, overpayment of duties, or penalties.
When importing from CN to US, the applicable tariff rates may include:
- Most-Favored-Nation (MFN) rate β The standard duty rate applied to WTO members
- General rate β Applied to countries without trade agreements
- Trade remedy duties β Additional tariffs such as Section 301 (anti-dumping), Section 232 (national security), or countervailing duties
The information provided on this page is for reference purposes only. For official classification, please consult with your local customs authority or a licensed customs broker.